“Our broad coalition is pleased to organize this forum to discuss our concerns about the impact of a Walmart in Somerville," said Joe Grafton, executive director of Somerville Local First, which is helping organize the meeting.

"The speakers will communicate our shared concerns about this development related to the local economy, the environment, and the quality of jobs in Somerville and more and we look forward to an engaging dialogue with our community.”

Guests include a former Walmart employee who will speak about working for the retail conglomerate.

"What I experienced working at Walmart is similar to that of associates at all stores nationally and Somerville won’t be any different,” said Kim Quartimon in a statement.

The meeting is the first in a series that will give residents a chance to voice opinion about the chain, which in other communities has a reputation for squeezing out smaller retailers and offering low-paying jobs.